When Your Soul Is Tired: Advent Retreat (December 11-13, 2026)
When Your Soul Is Tired: Advent Retreat on December 11- 13, 2026
“When Your Soul Is Tired: An Advent Retreat of Rest, Prayer, and Renewal”
Advent is a season of waiting, reflection, hope, and preparation. Yet for many people, December can be anything but restful. The holidays can bring stress, loneliness, grief, family difficulties, and exhaustion.
When Your Soul Is Tired invites participants to step away from the busyness and expectations of the Christmas season and spend a quiet weekend at Brookland making space for God.
The retreat will be shaped around five simple invitations:
Stop. Breathe. Pray. Rest. Wait.
Rather than filling the weekend with presentations and activities, the retreat intentionally creates space for silence, prayer, reflection, nature, fellowship, and simply doing nothing. Participants will be invited to experience rest as a spiritual practice and to notice God's presence in the beauty and quiet of Brookland.
The weekend will include Advent prayer, Scripture and reflection, prayerful walks, personal quiet time, opportunities for fellowship, and time around the fire.
A special Blue Christmas service will offer a gentle space for anyone experiencing grief, loss, loneliness, difficult circumstances, or simply a sense that Christmas does not feel joyful this year. Through Scripture, music, candle lighting, prayer, remembrance, and silence, we will acknowledge that God meets us in our sadness, grief, and weariness.
One of the central elements of the retreat will be “The Gift of Nothing.” Participants will be given intentional time with no scheduled programming—to nap, read, journal, walk, pray, sit by the fire, or simply do nothing.
This is not wasted time. This is the retreat.
The weekend will conclude with a contemplative Advent Eucharist centered on hope, peace, and the promise of God's presence with us.
Event Details:
• Where? Brookland Retreat Center, 3714 Fox Hill Road, Ulysses, PA 16948
• When? Friday, December 11 through Sunday, December 13, 2026
• Lodging? Onsite lodging is available at Brookland. Additional local lodging options are also available.
• Cost? Registration details and retreat cost will be announced soon.
• Registration? Registration will open soon.
Who Is This Retreat For?
This retreat is for anyone who feels tired, overwhelmed, or in need of a quiet place to breathe during the Advent season. It is especially intended for those carrying grief, loss, loneliness, or other burdens during the holidays, but you do not need to be experiencing a particular hardship to attend.
You simply need to be ready to slow down.
Come as you are.
Bring your tired soul.
There is room to rest at Brookland.
Registration will open soon!
Exploring Creation Retreat on September 9–12, 2026
An immersive retreat exploring faith, ecological responsibility, and the sacred connection between creation, community & the Gospel. The Sacred Watershed: Christian Faith and Ecological Responsibility in the Diocese of the Susquehanna is an immersive ecotheological retreat rooted in Scripture, sacramental spirituality, and the landscapes of north-central Pennsylvania. Through prayer, Eucharist, theological reflection, forest walks, shared meals, and honest conversation, participants will engage topics such as watershed spirituality, ecological justice, deep incarnation, agrarian theology, and stewardship of creation. Set near the Triple Continental Divide, Brookland offers a unique place to reflect on how our local actions ripple outward into the wider world. Together we will pray, learn, lament, and imagine faithful ways our parishes and communities can become places of ecological healing and hope. The retreat will be led by Ramon Segers, Postulate for Holy Orders. When? August 28-30, 2026: The program begins at 5PM with Evening Prayer followed by dinner on Friday evening. The program will include praying the daily office, presentations, exploration of the outdoor spaces on and nearby, lots of discussion opportunities and shared meals. The program ends with Eucharist on Sunday morning. Overnight Lodging options: Onsite there are 8 beds (4 in each of two large bedrooms with dedicated bathrooms on the 2nd floor. (Note: you must climb stairs.) If you wish for more privacy or accessibility, you can select the Commuter option and book a room at one of the local bed and breakfasts. (Contact info below) Those staying onsite are asked to bring your own bed and bath linens. Meals? Meals (lunch and dinner) at Brookland Retreat Center are prepared and cleaned up as a communal effort. Breakfast is on your own. Each retreatant will be asked to contribute to noonday and evening meals by signing up on a detailed menu plan that will be issued two weeks before the event. Where? Brookland Retreat Center, 3714 Fox Hill Road, Ulyssess, PA 16948 How much? · Onsite lodging: $120 per person · Commuter/ Offsite lodging: $70 per person Please register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-sacred-watershed-registration-1989617371116?aff=oddtdtcreator Contacts for local Bed and Breakfasts: · Susquehannock Lodge: https://susquehannock-lodge.com/ 5039 US 6 West, Ulysses, PA 16948 (814) 435-2163 Email: susquelgcarol@penn.com · Oak Hall Bed & Breakfast: 26 S Brookland Rd, Ulysses, PA 16948 (814) 435-1184 (Note: Google Maps says that they have permanently closed but the owner confirms this is incorrect.) For more information, contact: Rev. Stuart Scarborough, Deacon Diocesan Property Manager sscarborough@diosusquehanna.org Mobile: 717-585-0576 Brookland Retreat Center is a Mission of the Episcopal Diocese of the Susquehanna
Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary at Brookland Retreat Center
The Northern Tier Convocation invites you to a Holy Hike at Brookland Retreat Center on June 18. Join Bishop Scanlan and Rev. Janis Yskamp for a morning of prayer, fellowship, and time in God’s creation. We’ll gather at 9:00 AM and return before lunchtime. 📍 Brookland Retreat Center 3714 Fox Hill Rd Ulysses, PA 16948 RSVP with Ramon Segers (ramon.segers@gmail.com)
In the Gospel accounts of the Resurrection, the women arrive at the tomb “very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen”, and in that quiet, holy dawn, everything changes. Easter begins in stillness, in wonder, in the first light breaking over the world. At Brookland Retreat Center, we gather in that same spirit to greet the Resurrection with prayer, hope, and joy. You are warmly invited to join us for a Sunrise Morning Prayer Service on Easter Sunday, April 5, at All Saints Chapel. As the sun rises over the hills of the Northern Tier, we will proclaim the good news: Christ is risen! All are welcome to come and begin Easter Day in prayer, surrounded by the beauty and peace of Brookland. Event Details: What? Easter Sunday Sunrise Morning Prayer Service When? Sunday, April 5 at 6:30 AM Where? All Saints Chapel This will be a simple and reverent service of Morning Prayer, celebrating the Resurrection of our Lord as the day begins. Dress warmly and come prepared to embrace the beauty of an early spring morning. RSVP: Please RSVP with Ramon Segers if you plan to attend. For more information or to RSVP, contact: Ramon Segers Intern, Episcopal Churches of the Northern Tier Regional Mission Episcopal Diocese of the Susquehanna Email: ramon.segers@gmail.com
In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus emphasizes the importance for us to step away from the daily routine and spend time seeking God. And Brookland Retreat Center is just the place to do it! The retreat center offers a beautiful setting for walking, hiking, campfires, star gazing, resting and prayer. This November, diocesan members are invited to come to Brookland for a self-guided retreat while Bishop Audrey Scanlan is in Residence. You can choose how many days you wish to stay, so it is a great opportunity to discover this gem in our Northern Tier. The Bishop will read the Offices in the All Saints chapel each day and be available for spiritual and pastoral counsel. You can participate as you feel called. Participants will bring their own food and beverages. Event Details You can choose which ever days you wish to stay, but there is limited capacity (a maximum of 4 men and 4 women each night in the retreat house.) Where? Brookland Retreat Center, 3714 Fox Hill Road, Ulyssess, PA 16948 For more info about Brookland Retreat Center, visit their website: https://www.brooklandcenter.org/ Onsite Lodging Option: Onsite lodging is provided in large, shared bedrooms. One bedroom designated for women and one for men. All bedrooms are on the 2nd floor. (Not accessible) Those staying onsite are to bring your own bed and bath linens. Offsite Lodging/ Commuter Option: If you wish for more privacy or accessibility, you can select the Commuter option and book a room at one of the local bed and breakfasts. (Contact info below) You must make your own arrangements. Meals? Each participant is responsible for bringing their own food. A well-equipped kitchen is available for preparing your meal. (Of course, sharing may occur, but that is not pre-arranged.) Contacts for Local Bed and Breakfasts Susquehannock Lodge https://susquehannock-lodge.com/ 5039 US 6 West, Ulysses, PA 16948 (814) 435-2163 Email: susquelgcarol@penn.com Oak Hall Bed & Breakfast 26 S Brookland Rd, Ulysses, PA 16948 (814) 435-1184 Cost and Registration Onsite lodging: $35 per person per night; sign up for as many as you wish, if capacity is available Commuter/Offsite lodging: $20 per person To register, click this link. Registration closes on November 10th For more information, contact Rev. Stuart Scarborough, Deacon Diocesan Property Manager sscarborough@diocesecpa.org Mobile: 717-585-0576
For the last 4 years, a group of Missioners from Episcopal Churches in the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania have gone to PA Northern Tier to work with Potter County Habitat for Humanity to help those in need refurbish their houses. The dates this year are July 13-19, 2025. Missioners can spend the entire week or as many days as you can. Each day begins and ends with prayer with lots of time for fellowship, meals and performing transformative work to help others. The Mission Trip group will be staying at the Brookland Retreat Center or other local venues nearby and drive daily to the work sites. All levels of work experience are needed and there will be lots of “on the job training”. To learn more about this opportunity, contact Br David Rutledge ( here ).
What? Come and enjoy the natural setting of the Brookland Retreat Center and celebrate the joy of new life in the Easter story. Connect with God’s creation, with each other in this small group setting, with our bishop, and with your own soul’s yearning as we explore the meaning of the resurrection. Who? The retreat will be led by Bishop Audrey Scanlan, Diocesan Bishop of Central PA. The retreat is intended for women 21 years of age and older. When? April 25-27, 2025: The program begins with dinner on Friday evening, but feel free to arrive early (after 10 AM) to spend time on the property, enjoying the beauty of creation and/or the serenity of All Saints Chapel. The program will include both plenary and small group sessions, daily office in the chapel and ample free time for recreation and reflection. The program ends with Eucharist on Sunday morning. Overnight Lodging Options Onsite there is room for 8 women to share the two large bedrooms on the 2nd floor. (Not accessible) If you wish for more privacy or accessibility, you can select the Commuter option and book a room at one of the local bed and breakfasts. (Contact info below) Those staying onsite are asked to bring your own bed and bath linens. Meals? Meals (Lunch and Dinner) at Brookland Retreat Center are prepared and cleaned up as a communal effort. Breakfast is on your own. Each retreatant will be asked to contribute to our noonday and evening meals by signing up on a detailed menu plan that will be issued two weeks before the retreat begins. (The bishop will provide the main courses -both vegetarian and meat based- and retreatants will fill in with suggested sides, desserts and snacks.) Where? Brookland Retreat Center, 3714 Fox Hill Road, Ulyssess, PA 16948 For more info about Brookland Retreat Center, visit their website: brooklandcenter.org How much? Onsite lodging: $160 per person Commuter/ Offsite lodging: $100 per person Contacts for local Bed and Breakfasts: Susquehannock Lodge: https://susquehannock-lodge.com/ 5039 US 6 West, Ulysses, PA 16948 (814) 435-2163 Email: susquelgcarol@penn.com Oak Hall Bed & Breakfast: 26 S Brookland Rd, Ulysses, PA 16948 (814) 435-1184 (Note: Google Maps says that they have permanently closed but the owner confirms this is incorrect.) Registration Registration closes on April 13th and is capped at 16 participants For more information, contact: Rev. Stuart Scarborough, Deacon Diocesan Property Manager sscarborough@diocesecpa.org Mobile: 717-585-0576
Tucked away in the dark sky region of northern Pennsylvania is a treasure waiting to be discovered… and experienced! Brookland Retreat Center is the newest Mission of the Diocese of Central PA and is available for you to lead your own retreat. We are welcoming those who might lead a retreat (silent retreat, men’s or women’s retreats, painting, writing, iconography, quilting, crafting, singing, hiking retreats,… you get the point) to come spend some time at Brookland to experience it yourself and share retreat ideas with others. Event Details Deacon Stuart Scarborough will lead a relatively relaxed exploration of the property and surroundings, mixing worship in the chapel with relevant activities. The program begins on a Thursday with Evening Prayer at 5 PM and ends on Saturday afternoon at 3 PM. (Early arrival on Thursday is welcome.) Brookland Retreat Center, 3714 Fox Hill Road, Ulysses, PA 16948 Onsite lodging is provided in large, shared bedrooms. One bedroom for women and one for men (max 4 each). All bedrooms are on the 2nd floor. (Not accessible) Those staying onsite are asked to bring your own bed and bath linens. Offsite Lodging/ Commuter Option: If you wish more privacy or accessibility, you can select the Commuter option and book a room at one of the local bed and breakfasts. Meals (lunch and dinner) at Brookland Retreat Center are prepared and cleaned up as a communal effort. Breakfast is on your own. Each retreatant will be asked to contribute to the noonday and evening meals. A meal plan sign-up will be issued two weeks prior to the retreat. Feeding each other is part of the experience. Cost and Registration (This is a special introductory offer!) Onsite lodging: $50 per person Commuter/ Offsite lodging: $30 per person Contacts for Local Bed and Breakfasts: Susquehannock Lodge: https://susquehannock-lodge.com/ 5039 US 6 West, Ulysses, PA 16948 (814) 435-2163 Email: susquelgcarol@penn.com Oak Hall Bed & Breakfast: 26 S Brookland Rd, Ulysses, PA 16948 (814) 435-1184 (Note: Google Maps says that they have permanently closed but the owner confirms this is incorrect.) For more information, contact: Rev. Stuart Scarborough, Deacon Diocesan Property Manager sscarborough@diocesecpa.org Mobile: 717-585-0576
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: AUGUST 17th Byzantine Iconography is a highly structured and disciplined art form which combines prayer and painting techniques to create serene images of Christ, Mary, the angels and the saints following centuries old guidelines. No previous experience or natural talent is required. We paint, pray, and follow simple step-by-step instructions. Please join us to paint a simple image of Christ of the Passion Story. All supplies will be provided, the cost is included in the registration fee. About the Retreat Leader Peter Pearson has been studying and painting icons for more than fifty years and teaching others to do so for over half that time. He's authored three books on the subject and has painted hundreds of icons for churches, monasteries, seminaries, convents, and individuals all over the world. Peter's students number in the thousands and each has walked away with an icon of their very own. Event Details The program begins at 5 PM with Evening Prayer on Tuesday evening and ends on Friday afternoon at 3 PM. Where? Brookland Retreat Center, 3714 Fox Hill Road, Ulyssess, PA 16948 Onsight Lodging Option: Onsite lodging is provided in large, shared bedrooms. One bedroom designated for women and one for men. All bedrooms are on the 2nd floor (not accessible). Those staying onsite are to bring your own bed and bath linens. Offsite Lodging/Commuter Option: If you wish for more privacy or accessibility, you can select the Commuter option and book a room at one of the local bed and breakfasts. (Contact info below) Meals? Meals (Lunch and Dinner) at Brookland Retreat Center are prepared and cleaned up as a communal effort. Breakfast is on your own. Each retreatant will be asked to contribute to the noonday and evening meals. A meal plan sign-up will be issued two weeks prior to the retreat. Feeding each other is part of the experience Cost and Registration Onsite lodging: $425 per person Commuter/Offsite lodging: $375 per person Contacts for local Bed and Breakfasts Susquehannock Lodge: https://susquehannock-lodge.com 5039 US 6 West, Ulysses, PA 16948 (814) 435-2163 Email: susquelgcarol@penn.com Oak Hall Bed & Breakfast 26 S Brookland Rd, Ulysses, PA 16948 (814) 435-1184 For more information, contact: Rev. Stuart Scarborough, Deacon Diocesan Property Manager sscarborough@diocesecpa.org Mobile: 717-585-0576
